Parenting is a journey.....Winter holidays (part two)

How to spend holidays at this time of the COVID 19 Pandemic: Some fun-loving strategies to follow mindfully 

1. Meditation time: At this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, meditation time is an essential requirement for better cope with the effect of the novel coronavirus. This pandemic not only affecting everyone physically but emotionally too. Meditation time for children, for instance, listening to meditation tune, yoga posture, deep breathing and mindfulness movements. Best timing for practicing, before sleeping and after wakening up in the morning and during the day if the child is not feeling relax or calm

2. Bubble bath: Throughout this holiday season, a bubble bath for a child is a classic idea to enjoy and soothes emotions. Bubble baths can be taken to the next level by adding some calming music, lit some candles and let the children enjoy. This type of bubble bath is soothing and pacifying, let them try it this holiday season

3. Practice gratitude: Gratitude is a natural antidepressant, given the fact that whenever mind shifts or look at the positive side, it releases chemicals that induce happiness, joy and elevate mood. Make it a routine with your child to practice gratitude. It can be practiced before having meals, during a walk, before sleeping and whenever having happy moments, just be grateful and appreciative. Let them write a gratitude note everyday, after spending some time, it will be their habit

4. See older photos and videos: A glimpse of older photos and videos always induce pleasure and happiness. This holiday season, revisiting pictures, photographs, and videos will benefit children to reconnect with the stunning junctures of their life

5. A word of the day exercise: As a mental health practitioner, I would highly recommend a word of the day activity. A word is selected for the day and request children to describe its significance and usage. You can help them to understand it's worth and knowledge. For instance, ACCEPTANCE is the word of the day and let your children interpret, describe and make a sense of it. Here is the tricky part: during the day from time to time, you can describe acceptance, how it affects our relationship, and make our life easy if we accept each other, let them write a note about acceptance. For younger children, let them memorize the spelling. Words can be used for this activity at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, respect, care, values, kindness, health, resiliency, sympathy, civilization, community, compassion, happiness, satisfaction, siblings, parents and value of a home. You can choose a word according to your culture, values and requirements. It will help a child to better understand and practice values

6. Talk to them about physical and emotional health: This pandemic is not only affecting our mental and physical health but affecting our children's emotional health. At this time of the holiday season, you can discuss dimensions connected to physical and emotional wellbeing. Let them read an article about self care etc

7. Watch motivational videos or listen to a podcast: This holiday season, particularly this time, everything has changed and encountered differently. Watching motivational videos or listening to a podcast, is another way to keep morale intensified at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic. Podcast and videos positively impact children's mood and attitude

8. Virtual tours/shows: At this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, all facilities are terminated but allowing free virtual journeys for the public. Nowadays the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Zoo, Ripley Aquarium and Art Gallary of Ontario allow free virtual tours. let your child explore facilities and enjoy virtually

9. Winter recreational activities: Winter is truly a fun time at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic while staying at home. Weather indicates that upcoming days are filled with snow, children can be taken for snow sliding, making snowman and snow balls to play with. Take your family outdoor while snowing, walk and enjoy mindfully. It's a calming and soothing workout, don't forget to capture these cherished moments

10. A long drive: Preparations are progressing well for welcome new year's eve but it is being celebrated differently at this time. Take your children for a long drive and show them all lighting at the end of 2020. I might be taken children Niagra falls for a long drive 

11. Virtual party with friends: Let your children have a virtual gathering during this holiday season. Children will be connecting via zoom or WhatsApp video call. Let them follow a theme for food, clothing, or wearing a costume. It will be a fun activity for children 

12. Talk to grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins: This holiday season, while restrictions are imposed, children can not visit their grandparents or meet their cousins. Video or audio call is a wonderful approach to connect with the loved one, here or back home

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to comment below